H1N1 Recommendations
Yes, H1N1 has definitely hit the area. We have been getting numerous phone calls from employers, schools, etc. with questions on how to handle this. Here are recommendations from our providers:
If you have H1N1 symptoms (fever under 102 degrees, headache, sore throat, cough, chills, etc.) and you are normally a health person you should stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the aches and fever. This is a virus, and antibiotics will not help, and will not be given by the clinic. Tamiflu is not being given to normally healthy individuals with H1N1 as it is not in abundance.
If you have chronic medical issues, such as asthma, COPD, other respiratory conditions, diabetes, or CHF, and develop H1N1 symptoms, or have a fever above 102 degrees, you should be seen by your medical provider.
If you experience any shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble catching your breath, or similar symptoms you should come to the Emergency Room.
If you are an employer or school that requests a note from a doctor if an employee or student is out for a certain period of time (such as 3 days), we are asking that if at all possible, you could relax your policy during this flu season. The CDC recommends that everyone stay home until they’ve been fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. The estimated time for staying home is 5-7 days!
The clinic is trying very hard to take care of all the ill people and would like to keep the clinic spots open for those instead of people who are better and just needing a note to go back to work. Also, we are trying to get people to stay home that don’t have a respiratory problem or other chronic illness so they do not infect others.
If you do need to be seen, please call ahead and schedule an appointment so we can best accommodate everyone! The number is 515-532-2836.
Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding through this current flu season that has hit us so early!
For other counties, please contact your Public Health office for information.
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